Authority and Responsibility
The Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Committee (NIRSC or also referred to as “the Committee”) is appointed by and reports to the Vice-Chancellor for Research. This Committee was formerly known as the Laser Safety Committee.
The Committee is delegated the authority and responsibility for setting campus policy for lasers and other forms of non-ionizing radiation, within the scope of the campus laser safety program and Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR) Safety Program; for reviewing laser and other NIR source uses, and, where appropriate, authorizing such uses; for reviewing the operations and procedures of the Office of Environment Health & Safety (EH&S) with respect to lasers and other NIR safety issues and offering comments to the laser safety officer (LSO) and radiation safety officer (RSO) regarding EH&S laser and other NIR safety operations and procedures.
NOTE: Non-ionizing radiation shall be defined as all electromagnetic radiation with either a wavelength > 100 nm or a photon energy < 12.4 eV.
The Committee has the first responsibility to act in the best interests of safety. The Committee has the authority to terminate a laser or other NIR source use, should termination be warranted. Committee decisions to revoke or suspend the use of a laser or other NIR source may be appealed to the Vice-Chancellor for Research. The Vice-Chancellor for Research will meet with the petitioner, EH&S staff, and members of, or the full, Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Committee, as necessary, to make a determination as to revocation or suspension. Decisions to modify actions of the Non-Ionizing Radiation Safety Committee will be transmitted to the Committee in writing and included in their files.
Composition
The Committee consists of not more than 10 or less than 5 members exclusive of ex-officio members. Membership of the Committee shall meet appropriate federal and state guidelines (if any) for the composition of the Committee.
Experience
Members are appointed on the basis of knowledge of the principles and practices of the control of hazards resulting from or associated with the use of lasers and other NIR sources. The membership is to reflect the diversity of scientific disciplines using lasers and other NIR sources on campus.
Ex-officio members
The campus LSO and RSO shall serve as ex-officio members. Other ex-officio members may be appointed by the Committee.
Length of Service
Members will normally serve for a three-year term but may be reappointed for additional terms.
Appointment Process
On behalf of the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor for Research shall receive nominations from the current Chair and may solicit nominations from the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) Committees and other academic administrative officers as appropriate.
Chair of the Committee
The Chair is selected from among continuing members of the Committee, and will normally have at least two years prior service as a member. Re- appointment of the Chair beyond a one-year term will be at the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor for Research.
Functions
General
The Committee is responsible for setting campus policy in laser and NIR safety, within the scope of the campus laser safety program and NIR Safety Program; for reviewing uses of laser and other NIR sources, authorizing laser and other NIR source use where appropriate; and reviewing and approving procedures of EH&S with respect to laser and other NIR safety.
Use of NIR Sources
The Committee authorizes the use of laser or other NIR sources where appropriate as recommended by the LSO. Any authorizations granted are to be supported by documentation including the following:
Adequate experience and training of the Authorized User;
Sufficient and appropriate equipment and facilities;
Adequate plans and procedures for the use of a laser or other NIR sources; and
Establishment of procedures to reduce the potential for a laser or other NIR related incident and accident.
Review of Authorized Uses
The Committee is to verify that each authorized laser or other NIR use is periodically reviewed by the EH&S.
The Committee will review safety issues regarding lasers or other NIR uses referred by the LSO and will determine whether to modify, restrict, or terminate the use of a laser or other NIR source.
Review of the EH&S Laser and NIR Safety Activities
The EH&S staff is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the campus laser safety program and NIR Safety Program and for assuring that laser and other NIR sources are used in conformity with policies set by the Committee. EH&S brings to the attention of the Committee matters affecting campus laser and other NIR safety, changes needed in campus laser or NIR safety policy, and changes in standards or regulations related to laser or other NIR source use and safety. EH&S provides such reports, summaries, and statistics as the Committee may require. The Committee reviews the operations and procedures of the EH&S with respect to laser and other NIR safety and offers comments to the LSO regarding laser and other NIR safety operations and procedures. Problems discovered during these reviews that cannot be resolved or are of concern, are referred to the Committee for review and resolution.
Meetings
- The Committee meets triennially for the purpose of reviewing campus laser and other NIR safety issues, operations and procedures of EH&S with respect to laser and other NIR safety, and to consider other materials needing its attention.
- At the discretion of the Committee Chair, or the LSO, special meetings may be called to review and approve laser or other NIR source use, review and act on laser or other NIR incidents, review and make changes in campus laser or NIR safety policy, or members of the Committee.
- A quorum, consisting of a simple majority of the membership, shall be present at all meetings and will include the LSO and the radiation safety officer, or designated alternates.
- Committee members are required to attend two of the three meeting. A member may choose to send a substitute in their place should a scheduling conflict arise.
- The LSO or a designated alternate keeps minutes of the meetings. Copies of the minutes are sent to members of the Committee. EH&S maintains a file of the Committee meeting minutes and associated Committee files.
Annual Report
The LSO prepares an annual report detailing the activities of the Committee. This report shall be reviewed and approved by the Committee Chair prior to being submitted to the Vice-Chancellor for Research.